This HBR Blog post “Does an Entrepreneur Need a College Degree?” caught my eye this morning.

I would argue that entrepreneurs display a high willingness to take risk, taking a different path for education is often one of those risks.  A failed start up is only a speed bump, a powerful learning method – most entrepreneurs will fail multiple times, it gives them thick skin and helps them do the right/smart thing vs. the usual/normal thing (and we often reward the unique and different, sometimes even w/ cash).

Wisdom is the ability to discern what you need from where.

There are great teachers at educational institutions (sometimes even great programs) – if schools can give you the practical knowledge, great – learn from them, it’s probably cheaper then failing and learning the hard way.  But if you are a thick skulled entrepreneur (it’s a compliment), then don’t worry about what others think and go make a difference in the world!

I have also been contemplating the best way to release more books and have been toying with the idea of having people write a nugget in the book and passing it along.  This would be great, except that I selfishly want to know what people learn, so I thought I would put the “book jacket” online and let people submit there nuggets here.

My key nugget:

Bring my passion to the job!

I am blessed to love what I do for a living, but still don’t always get to choose my “job”.  It’s to easy to hide behind sayings like, find what your passionate about and learn to make money doing it.  And while I think it’s great to be in this position, it’s easier to bring your passion to the job – it could transform not just you, but those around you.

If I look back at when I’ve done this well, I’ve turned “crap jobs” like scrubbing pots & pans at the local university, into timeless memories.  When I’ve done this poorly, the day(s) never seemed to end (“is it 5:00 yet??”).

There’s still discernment needed to know when to get out of toxic cultures and bad situations, but turn on your passion now, don’t wait — it’s likely the ticket to better and better opportunities.

Share your key nugget through the comments, good and bad alike.  I look forward to hearing from you…

It’s no secret – companies often struggle to implement Lean. In fact, according to an Industry Week article, By The Numbers: Of all firms responding to the IW/MPI Census of U.S. Manufacturers less than 20% of companies report a major increase in performance generated from improvement initiatives like Lean.

A typical transition to Lean starts out just fine. Once the executive vision for Lean as a business strategy has been communicated, introductory training then follows. The training is usually effective – bringing exciting Lean ideas and concepts into view. Unfortunately, the enthusiasm often quickly fades when the first Lean activities begin. What’s the problem? Organizations frequently see standard implementation practices as potentially harmful. This perception of danger leads to a fast build-up employee resistance. Overcoming this “resistance to change” increases costs, weakens results, and decreases return on investment.

Organic Lean™ corrects standard implementation practices to fully deliver the benefits of Lean.

Vist the Systemental website for information about Organic Lean™ Services

For part two click here.

Are you interested in getting more from your employees? Join us Friday, October 2.